Programs 2009

Drums are important links for modern Pagans to their past and to the many other pagan
groups around the world. The basic rhythms created by drumming connect us to nature and
to the deeper aspects of ourselves, and it is a lot of fun, too! Drumming circles will
be held on Friday and Saturday nights after the end of the other scheduled activities
and will continue for as long as drummers can stay awake! If you like to drum or dance
to the sounds of drumming, come prepared for those activities. Bring your drum, your
bongos, whatever you use to create a beat. Or, if you don't drum, the rhythm is sure to
pull you into a dance. Many of the participants indicated that the drumming circles were
among the best things about previous Spirit Quests.

One of our Quest traditions is the Spirit Gift Exchange. Anyone who brings a gift can
participate. It's simple; bring a gift to share, take home a gift. This can be a way to
share your artistic talents (or your favorite local artist), a secret about your path, or a
gift you found in one of your sacred places in nature. Give from your heart. A note to
explain your gift is always appreciated.

There will be a table in the dining hall to collect the gifts. The exchange will take
place after the closing ritual.

Spirit Quest 2009 will incorporate a huge central altar for everyone. Here is your part:
bring your sacred objects to place on the altar. You may want to bring a bit of cloth or a
small tray for your objects. Candles are fine for this altar but must be secure so that
they will not fall over; and they may not be lit, as no open flame is allowed in any of
the camp buildings. Also, we all need to be mindful of how much space we use on our altar.
It will be large, but so is our community. With your help, we can have a place of great
beauty & satisfaction.

There will be just a few rules for our community altar:

Objects are sacred, so if it is not yours, don't touch it.

Objects, including candles, must be secure and not in danger of falling over.

You are responsible for removing your objects on Sunday afternoon — we will remind you when it
is time to do this.

Other informal events will occur. Check the schedule board in the Dining Hall for the
latest information. If you come up with an activity to share, put it on the schedule board
so others will know.

One event, a Bards' circle, is planned for Friday night. The purpose of a Bardic Circle
is to share stories, songs, ballads, boasts, promises, favorite gods/goddesses, etc. with
the other participants.